News
Local

Xstrata Nickel employees who were laid off last month have until next week to decide whether or not to accept retirement and early-retirement offers from the nickel giant.

Xstrata Nickel announced in November it was trimming 250 positions (180 production and maintenance, 30 office, clerical and technical, and 40 staff) because it's closing Thayer Lindsley and Craig mines earlier than planned.

Workers from those mines have the option of transferring to two new mines under development: Nickel Rim South and Fraser Morgan.

Thayer Lindsley will close in January and Craig will close in June.

Local 598 president Rick Grylls said responses to the company offer will be returned next week "when the company can make a full tally of ongoing issues."

Grylls said the union and the company are still determining who is available for retirement. Once that process is complete, they will start working on the transfer of employees to the other operations.